WORKS LIKE THIS  Jamey Byrnes, manager of Gary and Leos IGA (left) explains to customer Francis Erickson how the Round-Up your store purchase works to support the Conrad Community Education Foundation. This year proceeds from the Round-Up will go to help with swimming lessons, through the Caring for Kids Program, chaired by Sandy Syvertson. I-O Photo by Buck Traxler

The IGA Round-Up is well on its way thanks to the efforts of Jamey Byrnes and the staff at Gary and Leo’s IGA in support of the Conrad Community Education Foundation (CCEF). You may have been asked by IGA cashiers as you check out to “Round-Up” your purchase and donate to the Conrad Community Education Foundation. Maybe you have questioned what CCEF does for our community. It is definitely more than supporting the new gym and auditorium efforts and other school activities. CCEF’s mission statement is, “To develop and provide the resources for enhancing the educational environment of Conrad Public Schools and Community, with a goal of building Conrad pride for generations past, present and future,” Vanessa Bucklin tells The Independent-Observer. CCEF is committed to the Conrad community as a whole. So far the IGA Round-Up has raised over $1,000 in donations. The Foundation is ready to put this money and more to good use in our community. They have voted to work in conjunction with the Caring for Kids Swim Program chaired by Terry Syvertson. “She has spearheaded this wonderful program for years to assist Conrad families in purchasing season swimming passes,” says Shari Gianarelli, CCEF president.

Notice to all our valued readers and advertisers. After next week, The Independent-Observer will be going down to Great Falls to be printed. This should eliminate inconsistent delivery times, have more consistent color in our Ads and better looking photos throughout the newspaper. It will also mean that the paper will be put out a little later on Wednesday as our pick up time will be 10 a.m. at the printers. We feel it is a minor adjustment in getting a better overall paper. We appreciate your understanding in the I-O making a move for the better. If you have any questions, feel free to call at 271-5561.

Most fifth grade children in our community are not using alcohol, but it’s a decision many face. “How wisely they choose is up to us,” says Cynthia Grubb, Pondera County Health Nurse. She related some staggering statistics, that according to the 2007 Montana Youth Risk Behavioral Survey, 30 percent of Montana high school students report they had their first drink of alcohol other than a few sips before the age of 13. Nationally, by the time students reach the eighth grade, 41 percent have had at least one drink and nearly 20 percent report having been drunk. Children in their teens in Pondera County need to know how to reject underage alcohol use and how potentially damaging underage drinking is to their health today and tomorrow. The Pondera County DUI Taskforce, the Prairie View School Council, the Pondera County Health Department, the Pondera County Commissioners, and the City of Conrad Mayoral office have joined with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, to raise public awareness about the dangers of underage drinking. As part of a nationwide effort, they will beholding a Reach Out Now-Teach In event for fifth grade students at PVS on April 7-9. DUI Taskforce will lead the discussion about why young people should reject underage drinking and how they can resist peer pressure to use alcohol. The discussion about the harmful effects of underage drinking cannot stop at the school door. “Talk with your child about alcohol,” says Grubb. She adds, “A clear and consistent message at school and home that underage alcohol use is dangerous and unacceptable will reinforce a child’s ability to make healthy decisions. For more information about the subject, visit the Website at www.toosmarttostart.samhsa.gov/teachin or call SAMHSA’s Health Information Network at 8-800-877-SAMHSA-7 or contact the Pondera County Health Department at 271-3247. “The benefits from talking to your child about underage drinking can last a lifetime and make a lifetime last,” said Grubb.